After stampede, fire kills one at Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad

One person has died in a fire that broke out early this morning at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad.

As per reports, the fire tragedy occurred several hours before today's last Shahi Snan, which is expected to attract millions of devotes to the Maha Kumbh Mela.

The fire, which is now under control, broke out in of several hundred makeshift tents killing one person.

Though the cause of the fire is not known, it is believed that it broke out when food was being cooked inside the camp.

"There was no damage done to the tent I was in but certain tents that caught fire have been severely damaged. One person has also died in the accident and several have received burn marks. A few tents have also been gutted," said Govindanand, a Hindu seer.

"The incident took place at about 1:30 am. We got information that a tent has caught fire, I immediately rushed to the spot with others in my tent. We rescued a few people and also sprayed water on their tents and saved them. We also removed all cooking gas cylinders in close proximity to the fire," said Rakesh Sharma, a devotee.

The tragedy occurred almost a week after the Allahabad Railway Station stampeded in which at least 36 people lost their lives and over 40 others got injured.

The stampede occurred at platforms 5 and where thousands of passengers, mostly Maha Kumbh devotees returning after taking the holy dip at the Sangam, had gathered to board a train. (ANI)